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Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas
Contributed by: Blake
  • 1. Summa Theologica, written by the medieval philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century, is one of the most significant works in Western philosophy and Catholic theology. This comprehensive text seeks to systematically outline the Christian faith and cover a vast array of theological topics, including the nature of God, the morality of human actions, the workings of divine grace, and the doctrine of the sacraments. Divided into three main parts, the work systematically addresses questions and objections, showcasing Aquinas's method of scholasticism that emphasizes reasoned argumentation and synthesis of classical philosophy, particularly the works of Aristotle, with Christian doctrine. The first part discusses God’s existence and nature, the second part explains human behavior and ethics, and the third part explores Christ’s role in salvation and the significance of the sacraments. With its rigorous analytical style, Summa Theologica not only aimed to educate and inform but also to dispel misunderstandings and heresies of the time, making it a vital reference for anyone studying Catholic theology and philosophy.

    Who wrote the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) Augustine of Hippo
B) John Calvin
C) Thomas Aquinas
D) Martin Luther
  • 2. What is the main purpose of the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) To critique philosophical systems
B) To explain the history of the church
C) To provide a comprehensive guide to Christian theology
D) To argue against heresy
  • 3. In which year was the 'Summa Theologica' completed?
A) 1215
B) 1300
C) 1274
D) 1250
  • 4. What significance does Aquinas give to reason?
A) It is unnecessary for theology
B) It is secondary to tradition
C) It opposes faith
D) It is essential for understanding faith
  • 5. Which work precedes the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) City of God
B) The Prince
C) Summa Contra Gentiles
D) Confessions
  • 6. What is the ultimate end of human life according to Aquinas?
A) Knowledge of self
B) Serving the state
C) Achieving happiness on earth
D) Union with God
  • 7. What does the 'First Part' of the 'Summa Theologica' primarily address?
A) God and creation
B) Human actions
C) Christ and redemption
D) The sacraments
  • 8. What does the 'Third Part' focus on?
A) The problem of evil
B) Christ and the sacraments
C) Natural law
D) Philosophical ethics
  • 9. Which theological concept does Aquinas use to describe moral law?
A) Nominalism
B) Natural law
C) Divine command theory
D) Utilitarianism
  • 10. In Aquinas's view, how is happiness achieved?
A) Through wealth and power
B) By fulfilling desires
C) By avoiding pain
D) Through virtue and union with God
  • 11. What is Aquinas's stance on the nature of God?
A) God is subjective and relative
B) God is the first cause and necessary being
C) God is an abstract concept
D) God is indifferent to human affairs
  • 12. What does Aquinas believe about truth?
A) Truth is subjective opinion
B) Truth is the conformity of the intellect to reality
C) Truth can change with society
D) Truth is relative to individuals
  • 13. What impact did the 'Summa Theologica' have on later thought?
A) It was largely ignored by scholars
B) It significantly influenced Christian theology and philosophy
C) It caused a decline in philosophical inquiry
D) It was seen as outdated quickly
  • 14. What does Aquinas argue about the nature of evil?
A) Evil is a necessary force
B) Evil is the absence of good
C) Evil is more powerful than good
D) Evil is a substance
  • 15. What style is primarily used in the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) Expository style.
B) Scholastic style.
C) Narrative style.
D) Lyric style.
  • 16. What virtue is a focus of the 'Summa Theologica'?
A) Materialism.
B) Charity.
C) Hedonism.
D) Apathy.
  • 17. How many parts is the 'Summa Theologica' traditionally divided into?
A) Four parts.
B) Two parts.
C) Three parts.
D) Five parts.
  • 18. In which part of the 'Summa' does Aquinas discuss the sacraments?
A) The Second Part.
B) The Third Part.
C) The Appendix.
D) The First Part.
  • 19. What term refers to the ultimate end of human existence, according to Aquinas?
A) Beatitude.
B) Pleasure.
C) Wealth.
D) Knowledge.
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